British broker 'tried to bribe officer' following crystal meth arrest

A broker who was caught in possession of crystal meth has been accused of trying to bribe his arresting officer by offering him Dh150,000 to let him go.

On November 13 last year, the British defendant, 27, allegedly offered an Emirati police officer from Dubai Police’s drug control department Dh50,000 to release him. When the officer did not respond, the man raised the amount to Dh100,000, and then again to Dh150,000.

According to court records, police were tipped off that the defendant was possessing and consuming drugs at his house in Jumeirah 1.

“I was among a team of officers tasked with searching the defendant’s home for banned substances," said one officer. "We found crystal in his place.”

The policeman said he escorted the man to the patrol car and seated him in the back, while he himself sat in the front.

“He asked me what amount [of money] I would ask for to release him. I kept silent. He said 'Dh50,000?', and I kept silent. Then he raised the amount to Dh150,000 and said he would hand over the cash if I drove him to the nearest bank,” said the officer, who reported the incident upon his arrival at the police station.

The accused allegedly admitted to a charge of offering a bribe during questioning by police and prosecution, and said he was scared; however, in court on Monday morning, he denied the charge.